Having worked on the stage production, Robert Altman was convinced the material would make a good film despite bad critical notices and a short run in theaters for the play.
In a flashback scene, we see "The Disciples of James Dean" posing for a group photo. When the photo is shown a moment later, nearly everyone is in a different position.
Joe Qualley: Mona, it was so horrible and I was so damn scared and when I tried to scream for help, they just kept punchin' me in the face! And he kept callin' me Joanne!